The Oran K. Gragson Photographs depict Las Vegas, Nevada mayor and businessperson Oran K. Gragson from 1957 to 1981. The photographs primarily depict Gragson at political events with his wife Bonnie and other politicians such as U.S. senators Howard Cannon and Alan Bible, and Nevada Governor Paul Laxalt. The photographs also depict Gragson at groundbreaking ceremonies, Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas hotels and casinos, the mayor’s office, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and with performers such as Wayne Newton, Sammy Davis Jr., and Lawrence Welk.
Archival Collection
The Robert Beckmann Photographs contain photographic slides, prints, and negatives of the paintings, murals, and commercial projects of American artist Robert Beckmann from 1964 to 2009. The collection includes photographs of Beckmann's paintings and murals from around the United States, including works commissioned for casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada, banks, schools, and government buildings. Other photographs document Beckmann's research subjects, models, and art installations.
Archival Collection
The Artemus W. Ham Family Papers (1857-1970) contain postcards written by family members, newspaper clippings about the Ham family, and a Nevada Senate Concurrent Resolution memorializing Artemus W. Ham, Sr. Also included are genealogy notes, a commencement program from Michigan Law School, and membership cards of Artemus W. Ham, Sr.
Archival Collection
Commencement program from University of Nevada, Las Vegas Commencement Programs and Graduation Lists (UA-00115).
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Interview with Jerry Countess and Dorothy Eisenberg by Barbara Tabach on October 28, 2014. Countess discusses his childhood and military life. He became involved in the United Jewish Appeal in Las Vegas and started the Jewish Reporter newspaper. Dorothy Eisenberg is also involved in the interview to discuss the Jewish Federation and the Jewish community.
Jerome Countess, known as Jerry to most, was born on December 22, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in the borough's Jewish neighborhood, and he developed a reputation for being a skillful handball player and a great dancer. Though he was not allowed to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard due to colorblindness, Jerry was eventually drafted into the army during World War II. With very minimal combat training, Jerry was sent to North Africa as an infantryman, and was later stationed in Italy. After three years of service, Jerry returned home and married his childhood sweetheart, Rachel, in 1945. Using the G.I. Bill, he enrolled at New York University to study writing, though he quit just shy of graduation as his wife was expecting. After briefly working in the television broadcasting industry, Jerry landed a job with the United Jewish Appeal. In 1975, following in his desire to move west, Jerry took the job of executive director of the Combined Jewish Appeal in Las Vegas, what would soon be renamed the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas. Under his leadership, the federation started the Jewish Family Service as well as The Jewish Reporter, a monthly publication to promote engagement of the Jewish community. Jerry served as the executive director of the federation for many years, serving at the pleasure of many board members and presidents, including the first female federation president, Dorothy Eisenberg.
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Commencement program from University of Nevada, Las Vegas Commencement Programs and Graduation Lists (UA-00115).
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